A Dublin judge has been elected as the first female President of the European Court of Human Rights.
Siofra O’Leary has been the vice-president of the court since January and is set to take up her new role in November. She replaces Iceland’s Robert Spano.
It is also the first time an Irish judge has been appointed to the role. Ms Justice O'Leary was first elected to the ECHR as a judge in 2015.
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The news has been welcomed by Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney. He said: "Judge O’Leary has served with great distinction since her appointment to the Court, and her election as President is a mark of the high regard in which she is held. It is a source of pride that the first female President of the Court should be an Irish judge.
"The Court is central to the protection of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law in Europe. Never have these ideals and principles been more important. In its capacity as President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Ireland is committed to supporting the work of the Court and ensuring its continued effectiveness and independence."
Ms Justice O'Leary was educated at University College Dublin (BCL) and the European University Institute Florence (PhD). She was formerly a référendaire and chef de cabinet at the Court of Justice of the European Union.
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